New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Monday that he has refused to accept a presidential medal for President Trump’s freedom, citing last week’s deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol. Trump was due to hand over the highest civilian honor to the 68-year-old this week, a White House official had previously told CBS News.
A White House official told CBS News that they were notified of Belichick’s decision before the Patriots issued a statement. The White House declined to comment in response.
Belichick said in a statement obtained by CBS News that he was “flattered” to have a chance to receive the medal, but the Capitol storm, which many have accused Mr. Trump of inciting, changed his mind. ESPN was the first to report on Belichick’s statement.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week took place and the decision has been made not to go ahead with the award,” he said. “Above all, I am an American citizen with a great reverence for the values, freedom, and democracy of our nation.”
“I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team,” he added. “One of the most rewarding things about my career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights took the forefront and became Continuing these efforts while remaining loyal to the people, team, and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award. “
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When Mr. Trump ends his last days as president, he planned to award the Medal of Freedom to Belichick on Thursday, a White House official told CBS News. Belichick, who has won six Super Bowls as Patriots head coach, would have been the fifth public figure to receive the medal since a violent crowd stormed the Capitol last week.
Three of the winners, former golfers Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and Babe Zaharias, received the medal on Thursday, less than 24 hours after the riot. Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a staunch ally of Trump, received the medal Monday.
Many of the critics and legislators on both sides they have blamed the president for removing the crowd. House Democrats on Monday released a removal order accusing Trump of “inciting an insurgency” linked to the Jan. 6 attack.
At least one local lawmaker said Monday before he believed Belichick should stay away from the medal. Congressman Jim McGovern, a Democrat representing Massachusetts, he told CNN that Belichick rejects it.
“Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say,‘ No, thank you ’… To accept it as embarrassing,” he said.
Trump thinks a lot about Belichick and considers the legendary coach to be a friend. Over the summer, Trump praised Belichick and even joked that he would ask for military advice after asking if Belichick quarterback or Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady was more likely to win the Super Bowl this year. year.
“This guy just knows how to win … You know, if he ever had a military battle, he’d call Belichick and tell him what you think? What do you think? Give me a couple of ideas,” he said. radio presenter Hugh Hewitt.
Belichick was also recently appointed to Trump’s Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Council in December, CBS Boston reported. The council’s goal is to “increase sports participation among young people of all backgrounds and abilities and promote healthy and active lifestyles for all Americans,” according to its website.
Kristin Brown contributed to this report.